Female Journalist Pushed Away While Questioning Pan Men-an on Toxic Oil Scandal; Media Figure Challenges Lai Qing-de: Must All Media Kowtow to the DPP?

Pan Men-an, Secretary-General of Taiwan's Presidential Office, sparked controversy on the 19th when he raised his arm to block a journalist during questioning about the Chung Lian edible oil cancer scandal. The incident drew backlash not only against Pan but also against the news channel and the reporter involved, who faced widespread online criticism.

Senior media figure Chiann Yee-jun lamented that Taiwan's media environment is extremely weak. She pointed out that when a journalist offends a high-ranking official during an interview, pro-government online supporters launch massive smear campaigns and relentless personal attacks. She questioned President Lai Qing-de: 'Is it now required that all media must kowtow to the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP)?'

In a Facebook post, Chiann expressed deeper concern over the aftermath of the incident—instead of condemning the physical gesture, some began attacking the journalist and the TV station, even justifying the act of violence. She warned, 'If today we can silently accept or even encourage physical actions against journalists simply because we dislike a reporter or a media outlet, then tomorrow, it won’t just be press freedom that erodes—it will be Taiwan’s entire democracy.'

Chiann also criticized the disproportionate response: 'Because a journalist offended a high-ranking official during an interview, pro-DPP online forces launched an all-out smear campaign and baseless personal attacks against a female journalist. I ask you, does Lai Qing-de approve of such personal attacks? Does the Journalists Association approve? Must all media outlets bow down to the DPP? This is truly unacceptable!'

In response, the Presidential Office stated that Pan raised his hand to avoid colliding with large camera equipment on site, and expressed regret if he inadvertently bumped into any reporters in the aisle.

More exclusive insights from Storm Media: · Pan Men-an accused of 'shoving reporter'! Presidential Office clarifies: Hand raised to avoid hitting equipment · Was the reporter hurt by Pan Men-an's push? Huang Yang-ming mocks green camp's 'this candidate': She’s the unluckiest person this time · It was her who was pushed by Pan Men-an! The only journalist to secure an exclusive interview at Huang Jen-hsun's 'Trillion-dollar Banquet'—Huang Yang-ming voices support: Questioning is a journalist’s duty